The Huskers are starting to wrap up preparations for this week's game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill.

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The team practiced in helmets and sweats in the Hawks Championship Center, and players worked out for 90 minutes Thursday.

Head Coach Bo Pelini talked with reporters after practice about the mental advantage the team has coming off a bye-week.

"I think (it helps) with everybody," Pelini said. "The more reps you get at it, the more understanding you get, the more comfortable you get and the more confident you get. That translates to playing better football."

Pelini said senior running back Rex Burkhead, who was injured in the season opener against Southern Miss, will be at 100 percent against the Wildcats this week.

Overall, Pelini said he feels good about what the team was able to achieve this week and believes the team is ready to play.

"I thought it was a good week of practice," Pelini said. "We've still got some things to clean up, but I thought overall it was a good week. We're ready to go and looking forward to the game."

The team has a final practice Friday before traveling to Illinois.

Saturday's game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ABC/KETV 7 and ESPN2 in regions where ABC is not carrying the game.